Real Value Supermarket yesterday officially opened its doors to the public with a grand performance of Chinese masquerade and drumming on the road outside its Church and Thomas streets premises.
The new store provides shoppers with convenient and affordable products, including fresh vegetables, frozen meats and seafood. It has 28 aisles, including a household supplies section and a MoneyGram service.
The multi-million dollar investment has also partnered with German’s Restaurant to offer shoppers, right in the supermarket, a soup express.
At the opening ceremony, Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali said the new business will bring social and economic benefits for Guyana. He said the investment has so far provided jobs for 30 Guyanese.
He said it offers an integrated shopping experience. “Everything in the supermarket is of international standard,” he said. “Jason [Wang] is a bona fide Guyanese.”
Ali, however, implored the businessman, Jason Wang, to promote local products by integrating them into the supermarket. “Your business has the opportunity to bring Guyanese products to the shelves,” he said, adding that he hopes Wang would lead by example.
Ali further stated that he was engaged in discussions with a major leading food chain that has signalled intention to come to Guyana. “These are all investments that are critical to ensure that the economy is advancing,” he said.
China’s Ambassador Zhang Limin celebrated Wang’s success, stating that he had worked very hard in Guyana for many years and has achieved much. “I am pleased with his achievements and success,” he said.
Limin also urged the Chinese community in Guyana to observe all of the local laws and make valuable contributions to the country. He asked further that they “get along well” with locals in order to expand the friendship between the two countries.
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Ramesh Persaud said he was happy to witness the opening of another business entity in the country and that the commission was supportive of all foreign and local businesses. He said once they comply with Guyanese laws the commission will ensure that their businesses are not victimized. “We welcome foreign business,” he said.
Wang thanked his invitees for taking the time to share the moment with him. He said businesses could not survive without people’s support and therefore he is looking forward for everyone’s support, “while I will learn and listen.”
The opening ceremony was graced with steel pan music by Ras Camo from the Roots and Culture Band.
The supermarket is open from 9 am to 8.30 pm on Monday to Thursday and 9 am to 9.30 pm on Friday to Saturday. It is also open on Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm.
